Gynecomastia (Men)

Gynecomastia is a common, benign condition, which is characterized by enlargement of the male breast. It usually begins in adolescence as a result of normal hormonal changes. If it does not resolve within several years many males choose surgical correction and obtain excellent results. Small incisions may be made beneath the breast around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipples) or in skin folds beneath the breasts or in the axilla (arm pit area). Excess fat and glandular tissue are removed, both directly by surgical excision and/or with liposuction techniques. The result is a flatter, firmer and more normally contoured chest. This procedure can be done alone or in combination with other plastic surgery procedures such as a rhinoplasty, face lift, tummy tuck or liposuction of the love handles, tummy or neck.

This procedure takes about two hours and is done under deep IV sedation or a light general anesthetic to supplement the local anesthesia injected by your surgeon.

Swelling and bruising are to be expected. Medication will control the minimal pain and discomfort that patients usually experience. You may drive one or two days after surgery, as long as you are not taking pain pills or sedatives. A compression wrap around the chest is worn for the first few weeks. Plan on being off work for several days and give yourself two weeks before you resume exercising.

The operation is directed toward an improvement and does not in any way guarantee complete obliteration of all breast tissue. You must accept the judgment of your plastic surgeon and realize that he will remove as much as is safe and suitable.

It is very common to be left with visible surface irregularities.   The type of skin, degree of elasticity and age of the patient all influence the overall result that is obtained.

A common question is, "How long will the results of this procedure last?" This is impossible to state. Factors affecting the length of the result include age at the time of operation, physical conditioning afterwards, type of skin, and alterations in weight. In general, it is not necessary to repeat this procedure to maintain the optimal result. It would be rare for gynecomastia to return after surgery, unless massive weight gain is encountered.

*Should the patient wish to repeat the operation, regardless of the length of time since the initial operation, the degree of laxity or fatty excess remaining, and each patient will be responsible for the cost of a subsequent procedure.

The following information has been prepared to familiarize you with facts about the surgical procedure known as gynecomastia correction  ("male breast reduction") You are requested to read this information thoroughly and to discuss any questions which might arise with your surgeon before you give your consent to proceed with this procedure. You are also requested to keep this form as a reference in the postoperative period.